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Gibo quits as Lakas-Kampi chair to focus on campaign

(Updated 10:30 p.m.) Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. has quit as chairman of the administration party to focus his energy on his presidential campaign, days after various provincial allies defected to the camp of Nacionalista Party presidential bet Manuel Villar Jr.

“Effective immediately I am resigning as chairman of our party to focus all my efforts campaigning for the presidency of the country as the official candidate of Lakas-Kampi-CMD," Teodoro said in a letter addressed to the Lakas-Kampi-CMD national executive committee.

Lawyer Mike Toledo, Teodoro’s spokesman, said the administration party standard-bearer had already formally submitted the resignation letter and met on Tuesday night with party officials about his decision.

Toledo said Teodoro “may not be able to handle the responsibility of dealing with internal party matters," especially now that local campaigns have kicked off.

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However, he clarified that Teodoro remains as Lakas-Kampi’s standard-bearer despite the resignation.

Teodoro was elected Lakas-Kampi-CMD national chairman in November 2009 at a national convention where he was formally declared as the party’s standard-bearer.

Teodoro has placed fourth in national preference surveys, trailing behind his second cousin Sen. Benigno Aquino III of the Liberal Party, Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. of the Nacionalista Party, and former President Joseph Estrada of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino.

Teodoro’s Facebook page, in its latest status update, said: “Sec. Gibo Teodoro remains steadfast in winning the presidency on May 10, 2010, that is why he had to resign as chairman of the party, because of the diligent work being chairman requires. This now allows him to dedicate his full time to his campaign." — RJAB Jr/KBK/NPA, GMANews.TV